Veterans

May 30, 2018

Medal of Honor recipient inducted into Pentagon Hall of Heroes

Navy photograph by PO2 Paul L. Archer

Medal of Honor recipient retired Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Britt Slabinski stands on the stage during his induction ceremony into the Hall of Heroes at the Pentagon Auditorium. Slabinski was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Donald J. Trump for his heroic actions in March 2002 during the Battle of Takur Ghar while serving in Afghanistan.

On May 25, Medal of Honor recipient retired Master Chief Petty Officer (SEAL), Britt Slabinski was inducted into the Pentagon Hall of Heroes during a ceremony held in the Pentagon auditorium.

President Donald J. Trump presented Slabinski the Medal of Honor during a White House ceremony the day before for his actions while leading a team under heavy effective enemy fire in an attempt to rescue teammate Petty Officer First Class Neil Roberts during Operation Anaconda in 2002.

Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan, Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly, and Chief of Naval Operations Adm. John Richardson spoke at the Pentagon event.

“We recognize Master Chief Slabinski and his career of selfless service that includes his 15 combat deployments for the Global War on Terror,” said Shanahan. “We are here to honor the values represented by the medal he carries.”

Modly also praised the courage of Slabinski for his actions in Afghanistan more than a decade ago.

“If time has passed, it has not dimmed the bright glow of Master Chief Slabinski’s bravery,” he said. “Nor, moreover, could we ever gather the full breath of our nation’s gratitude towards him and his teammates.”

“He represents the humility and quiet dignity of all SEALs, a warrior spirit of uncompromising integrity,” added Richardson.

After their remarks, Slabinski was joined by his son Bryce, Shanahan, Modly, and Richardson for the presentation of a Medal of Honor Flag and a Hall of Heroes plaque.

Then, with family, friends, former teammates and top military leadership looking on, Slabinski took the podium and delivered his remarks.

Navy photograph by PO2 Paul L. Archer

Under Secretary of the Navy Thomas B. Modly and retired Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Britt Slabinski hold Slabinski’s Hall of Heroes plaque during the Hall of Heroes induction ceremony Friday, May 25, 2018 for Slabinski at the Pentagon Auditorium. With Slabinski and Modly are Deputy Secretary of Defense Patrick M. Shanahan, left, Slabinski’s son, Bryce, middle, and Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) John Richardson. Slabinski was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Donald J. Trump for his heroic actions in March 2002 during the Battle of Takur Ghar while serving in Afghanistan.

“Nothing of consequence is ever accomplished alone. I didn’t do anything special on that day in March 2002. I just did my job, but it was my teammates that were special,” said Slabinski. “They were with me that day, I was surrounded by special…and I trusted those around me. They gave me the confidence to accept the challenging task ahead.”

Slabinski continued to reiterate how the award belonged to all the service members who were involved in the events that unfolded atop Takur Ghar, a 10,000-foot snow-covered mountain in Afghanistan.”To my teammates who performed so many acts of courage that day that have gone unrecognized, I say, ‘I remember you.'”

The Hall of Heroes is dedicated to the more than 3,460 recipients of the Medal of Honor. Along the walls of the room are the names of each recipient. All three versions of the medal – the Army, Sea Service (Marine Corps, Navy and Coast Guard), and Air Force – are displayed in the Hall of Heroes. An asterisk next to some names represents service members who received two Medals of Honor for separate acts of bravery. Dots are used to signify Marines who were under the command of the Army during WWI and received both the Army and Sea Service versions of the medal for a single act of bravery.

Slabinski’s Medal of Honor is an upgrade of the Navy Cross that he was previously awarded for his actions. Former Secretary of Defense Ash Carter directed the military departments to review all Service Cross and Silver Star recommendations for actions since Sept. 11, 2001, to ensure service members who performed valorously were appropriately recognized.

Navy photograph by PO2 Paul L. Archer

Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) John Richardson delivers remarks during Medal of Honor recipient retired Master Chief Special Warfare Operator (SEAL) Britt Slabinski’s induction into the Hall of Heroes during a ceremony at the Pentagon Auditorium. Slabinski was awarded the Medal of Honor by President Donald J. Trump for his heroic actions in March 2002 during the Battle of Takur Ghar while serving in Afghanistan.

Slabinski, a native of Northampton, Mass., joined the Navy in September 1988. After graduating from Radioman Class “A” School in San Diego, he completed the Basic Underwater Demolition/SEAL course in January 1990. He retired in June 2014 as the director of Naval Special Warfare Safety Assurance and Analysis Program after more than 25 years of service.

Throughout his career, Slabinski was assigned to both West and East Coast SEAL teams and completed nine overseas deployments and 15 combat tours.

Master Chief Slabinski has previously been awarded the Navy Cross; the Navy and Marine Corps Medal; five Bronze Star Medals with Combat “V” device; two Combat Action Ribbons; two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals; the Defense Meritorious Service Medal; the Meritorious Service Medal; the Joint Service Commendation Medal; the Joint Service Achievement Medal; and eight Good Conduct Medals.

AV Veteran Talk- Bob Alvis

Each week, Bob Alvis interviews local veterans, community volunteers and aerospace related guests on AV Veterans Talk, sponsored by Aerotech News and Review. The podcasts are uploaded to the Aerotech News and Review Facebook page as well as our YouTube channel.

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